Red Cross to host blood drive in Illinois in honor of Tori Riley

Missouri-Illinois

April 7, 2014

Riley continues fight with colon cancer

O’FALLON, Ill. (April 7, 2014) – What started as pain thought to be due to acid reflux turned into a difficult diagnosis for local woman Tori Riley. In 2012, at 24 years old, Riley was diagnosed with colon cancer. As she continues to battle the cancer, the American Red Cross and a group of her supporters, known as Team Tori, will host a blood drive in her honor on April 19.

“We want to host this blood drive in Tori’s honor because she has received blood multiple times during her cancer treatment,” said Lisa Medders, Riley’s mother. “The blood given to her has helped my daughter’s fight.”

As part of treatment for colon cancer, as well as tumors, polyps and nodules found on Riley’s liver and lungs, she has received more than 20 rounds of chemotherapy. Medders hopes the blood drive in her daughter’s honor will raise awareness of Riley’s condition and assist others in need.

“Tori's drive to live has inspired so many others. A blood drive to help others only seems fitting,” Medders said. “I want to make sure that through all the struggles we’ve had that we find the good that can come out of her fight.”

Team Tori Blood Drive

April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parkway Lakeside Apartments

1100 Boulder Creek Drive in O’Fallon, Ill.

Giving blood at the Team Tori Blood Drive can help patients in need of blood, including cancer patients, accident victims and others. To learn more about Riley and how you can support Team Tori, visit toririley.com.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.